Going on a cruise in Autumn could be among the most beautiful and most romantic travel experiences one can have. We booked a Canada cruise from New York bound for Montreal to try out what Crystal Cruises has to offer. New York is famous for its majestic skyline but I wanted to view it in all its glory from a cruise ship's vantage point. So, instead of boarding a plane back to Canada we went for one-way cruise.
I couldn't take my eyes off the dramatic colors of fall as the Crystal Symphony moves northward to our destination. As it passed
through the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and out towards the open sea to reach the Canadian Maritimes and St. Lawrence Valley.So going back to my semi-detailed account of our cruise, here it is.
The following morning, the ship anchored off at Newport, Rhode Island. I couldn't resist going out for a stroll to have a closer look at the elegant "summer cottages" situated along the Cliff Walk. We proceeded to downtown Newport, which is a major sailing center at the East Coast and further went inland to check out the shops along Thames Street. The Historic Newport is well worth the visit, too where stately mansions stand proudly for which Bellevue Avenue is known for. It's a place that speaks of Newport's majestic history and opulence.
We witnessed further glorious views from the deck as the Crystal Symphony departs from Narragansett Bay and circumvents Cape Cod as it heads to Boston through the harbor islands. The ship docks at the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal and again we headed to the city. We are fond of walking, plus the activity afforded us ample amount of sight-seeing. In twenty minutes we reached downtown. From the subway, tourists can proceed to Beacon Hill, Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, Quincy Market, Cambridge, Back Bay, and the other museums. We visited Salem including its famed Witch Museum, which is about an hour away from the center of the city, just out of curiosity. By night time, it was time to sail out overnight headed to Bay Harbor, Maine. As we arrived I was so excited to sample their sumptuous lobster bake while surrounded by the scenic view of the sea on top of Cadillac Mountain. I was not disappointed and
the flavors I tasted will forever remain in my memory.A full day in the open sea followed. The next port of call was at Halifax where we visited the immigration depot of Canada located at Pier 21. Other attractions there include the waterfront and a drive along the breathtaking coastline by the Lighthouse Route headed towards Lunenburg and Peggy's Cove.
You will know when the ship is en route to Quebec when it enters the broad St. Lawrence river. Its broadness won't allow you to see the opposite sides of each shore from either side of the ship. Soon we were greeted by some whales towards the mouth of Saguenay River. As the ship docked at the Citadel, we had another chance to tour by ourselves. Tourists can choose to visit the lower city, which is a more historic one, and then proceed to the upper city either by walking or by funicular. We chose to have some drinks at the Marine Bar at the Chateau Frontenac to enjoy the wonderful view and experience how it is like to wine and dine in a castle-style hotel. Montreal, although a French territory, a night-out offers a different vibe as compared to the surrounding bistros of Paris. It's more Canadian but still French. I would highly recommend a visit to the historic district of Old Montreal to enjoy the city's charming and quaint beauty.
Back home, we were glad to have made that decision to go on a cruise from New York to Montreal. Maybe next time, we will try the opposite route when we decide to go down to New York again.
More about cruise vacations:
Luxury Cruise Vacations on The Crystal Symphony Cruise
Sapphire Princess Cruise Review
Tips To Remember When Going on a Cruise Holiday
© Athena Goodlight 3/26/2013
